“P.S. It’s My Body-Happy Bear” Child Abuse Prevention Program

We are currently looking for volunteers to give presentations and play the role of Happy Bear. If you or someone you know are interested please call 217-223-2272.

Advocacy Network for Children and “Erin’s Law”

In 2013 Governor Pat Quinn signed Erin’s Law which mandates that schools statewide teach age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention classes.

In anticipation of the passage of Erin’s Law, Advocacy Network for Children began exploring possible prevention programs to be an additional resource for schools, churches and other organizations in all nine counties served. The agency chose “P.S. It’s My Body-Happy Bear”. This research-based curriculum teaches children safety strategies and is designed to decrease children’s risk of being abused. Children will learn to recognize welcome and unwelcome touches, practice saying “No” and moving away, and identify trusted adults they can report unwelcome touches to. Children will be reminded that they have the right to say “No” and that abuse is never their fault.

The program includes a Happy Bear personal safety play, a teacher and parent component that provides safety tips, strategies for talking to children about personal safety, and what to do if a child discloses abuse.

For more information or to schedule a presentation, please call Jessica Bolton at 217-617-5347 or call the office at 217-223-2272.

Happy Bear goes to Madison School – February 28, 2017

We are currently looking for volunteers to give presentations and play the role of Happy Bear. If you or someone you know are interested please call 217-223-2272.